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THREAD: Government officials hold a press briefing on the Duterte administration's agenda for OFWs in the Middle East | LIVE bit.ly/3j3Z9hW

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In his opening remarks, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto says the details of the meetings that have been happening during the visit of the Philippine delegation will be made known

Economic investments and other issues of concern have been discussed in the meetings, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola says

DFA Usec. Arriola: These labor reform initiatives include facilitating labor mobility, such as the ability from one employer without need for prior clearance or consent from their previous employer, and the ability to exit the kingdom without need of an exit visa

DFA Usec. Arriola says the Philippine government will share information to stem trafficking

Special Envoy of the President Robert Borje says he can sum up the accomplishments of the official visit in three words: buhay, kabuhayan rat pagkakaibigan

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje: We have many things to be working on, but of course the labor cooperation is an important part, but it does not define the totality of our relations, but it is the most human of relations

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says labor relations are important, but other opportunities will be explored as well

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says cases concerning human rights have also been discussed

DFA Usec. Arriola says Saudi Arabia has chosen the Philippines as a partner: Meaning, makikipagtrabaho talaga sa atin in their labor reform initiative which started in March

DFA Usec. Arriola: I just want to emphasize that before the labor reform initiative, hindi ka pwede basta-basta maglipat ng employer. Pero ngayon, among the 90,000 migrants na nakapag-avail nito, around 4,000 Filipinos na ang nag take advantage nito

DFA Usec. Arriola says this development opens the doors for discussions of individual cases concerning human rights

Amb. Alonto says there have been many changes in the way Saudi Arabia handles labor reforms

DFA Usec. Arriola says KSA is "reforming" its whole system: That is why they want to come up with a new agreement with us

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says one of the most important concerns included in President Rodrigo Duterte's letter is the repatriation of Filipinos

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says the Embassy is working to resolve individual issues but recognizes that specific processes must be followed

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says the concerns of Filipinos who want to go home have reached the IATF, but adds there are concerns about the Delta variant and how the country can assist those who are returning home

DFA Usec. Arriola says repatriation flights are continuously happening

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says there has been no formal request for Filipino health care workers yet, but there is recognition of the excellence and professionalism of Filipino health care professionals.

Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Borje says they are hopeful agreements between the government and the KSA will be signed soon.